NBCU Telemundo hires TV Azteca exec to lead programming & content development

Sandra Smester

NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises has appointed TV Azteca alum Sandra Smester to the newly created role of EVP of programming and content development.

In this new position, Smester will oversee the development and execution of programming for the network, beginning this month. She will report to Ronald Day, president of entertainment and content strategy at NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises.

Smester will be responsible for primetime and daytime programming, content acquisitions, programme planning and scheduling, and the company’s cable network Universo.

A Spanish language media veteran, with 25 years of experience creating content for US Hispanic audiences, Smester most recenrly served as EVP and CCO at TVAzteca, where she oversaw content and distribution across its linear and streaming services.

“Sandra is a world-class media executive and a savvy programmer with a keen eye for great content, a long history of programming innovation, and a deep understanding of the U.S. Hispanic media space,” said Day. “She’s achieved impressive results at every stage of her career and is uniquely positioned to power Telemundo’s continued leadership, overseeing our best-in-class programming serving Latino audiences.”